TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) welcomed growing ties between Taiwan and Kosovo on Thursday (April 18).
In a meeting with the visiting Kosovo delegation led by former Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, Han said Taiwan has been concerned about Kosovo's struggle over the past 30 years, per the Legislative Yuan.
After it declared independence in 2008, Taiwan was the first Asian country to recognize the Republic of Kosovo, he said. This demonstrated Taiwan’s support for Kosovo’s perseverance in pursuing democracy and freedom, he added.
Han also highlighted the sister city relations between Kaohsiung and Pristina, Kosovo’s capital, which were established in March. The legislative speaker said he looked forward to deepening exchanges between the parliaments of Taiwan and Kosovo.
Kosovo lawmaker Artan Abrashi spoke on behalf of the delegation, expressing admiration for Taiwan's long-standing efforts to promote regional peace and stability. As the co-chair of the Kosovo-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, he noted the deepening relations between the two countries in recent years.
As defenders of democracy and human rights, Taiwan has become a beacon of progress and prosperity admired by the world, he said. Since gaining independence in 2008, Kosovo has been seeking a development model, and Taiwan has been an important source of inspiration for reforms and progress, he added.
Abrashi said most Kosovo parliamentarians hope to deepen relations with Taiwan.
Hoti arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday (April 16) to hold talks with Taiwan government officials on parliamentary exchanges and bilateral cooperation. A Kosovar cross-party parliamentary group visited Taiwan last March.